With spring here and gas prices high, more Bellevue commuters are tempted to ride bicycles to work at least part of the way or part of the time. In partnership with the Cascade Bicycle Club, the city is offering a class for aspiring bike commuters.

The one-hour class, noon to 1 p.m., on Thursday (today) at City Hall Room 1E-113, is taught by a certified Cascade instructor, and will focus on ways bicyclists can share the road safely with cars and plan the best route for a ride to work. Choosing and adjusting a bike; clothing, helmets and gear; and basic bike maintenance will also be covered.

According to Cascade, 625 residents and 373 people who work in Bellevue, with some overlap, participated in the Group Health Commute Challenge last year, with 237 registering as new riders. This year's Challenge starts May 1. F5 Bike to Work Day, with dozens of commuter stations around the region, will be May 18.

Of course, it's important for cyclists and motorists to recognize that each has a responsibility to look out for each other. Here are a few tips to help cyclists and motorists have a safe trip.